She-Hulk: Attorney at Law has revealed details about Jennifer Walters' training with her cousin Bruce Banner (AKA the original Hulk). Although there hasn't been a consistent characterization of Banner so far in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, his origin and Walters' do have one commonality, and it's their reluctance to accept the green giant's drastic changes to their lives. Banner's failed experiment as a nuclear physicist led to his DNA alteration, and cross contamination with his blood is what led to Walters'.
The fact that the responsibility was thrust upon them seemed to have influenced Banner's desire to train Walters in the way of the Hulk, but trailer footage for the series revealed she won't struggle in the same ways. Banner had originally anticipated her Hulk might have taken over similarly to his origin story, but she seems to have control over it incredibly easily, making Banner face the reason behind these significant differences in their responses to the creatures they share their bodies with.
One crucial difference between them is their reactions to experiencing a life and body change they couldn't control. Banner's original response was to become anxious and angry, triggering Hulk's takeover of his body. Banner had to spend years stuck in Hulk's body before learning to control the green giant and become Smart Hulk. This highly correlates with the societal norm that men are usually expected to maintain control, especially when it comes to their emotions and bodies. Banner's loss of control was difficult to navigate, but Walters didn't have the same experience.
Walters seems to quickly adapt to She-Hulk, and she can switch forms more smoothly. She doesn't resist the changes the cross contamination caused to her body, but she tries to move on and return to her normal life as if it didn't happen. Her response mirrors the expectations many women face when they're meant to move on from situations out of their control, especially in a professional environment. As a lawyer, Walters has already dealt with making her way in a male-dominated field, and she's had to adjust to difficult and unexpected changes.
In the Attorney at Law trailers, Walters showed better control over She-Hulk than Banner. What hasn't been revealed yet is how she will overcome the challenges this new transition will bring to her day-to-day life. She isn't likely to go into hiding like Banner did, but she will definitely experience setbacks and new expectations. She clearly stated in multiple trailers that she doesn't want to be a superhero, but Banner reminded she will still have to defend herself against powerful forces. Superpowers will attract trouble, whether she wants it to or not.
On Attorney at Law, viewers can expect to see these differing reactions based on gender. Female leaders are often held to different standards than their male peers, and it's important to consider how that would translate to superheroes. The Hulk "smash" is often revered and celebrated while She-Hulk's display of anger might be feared or criticized. There could be expectations from their family that Walters feel a certain way about her transformation when Banner hadn't experienced the same restrictions on his options as a green giant.
The show is expected to explore these dynamics while also providing some humorous situations for Walters as she navigates balancing her new powers with the life she's always known. She'll be forced to become the spokesperson for other superpowered people and team up with the same scientist who had tortured Banner. All she wants is to return to life as normal, but she'll quickly learn becoming She-Hulk has made her life extraordinary.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law premieres Aug. 18, 2022 on Disney+.